The Palestinian Ministry of Health has accused Israeli occupation authorities of deliberately hindering the travel of medical cases through the Rafah Crossing, despite agreements under the ceasefire that took effect on January 19. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the ministry revealed that only 53 patients were permitted to leave that day, far fewer than the 150 patients and wounded individuals required.  

The ministry highlighted specific cases, including a 16-year-old cancer patient who was denied travel and a companion for another cancer patient who was also refused. It further noted that several medical cases approved for travel were later rejected on the day of departure or at the last moment, with some patient companions similarly denied at late stages.  

Medical estimates indicate that approximately 35,000 wounded and sick individuals are awaiting travel for treatment abroad, as Gaza’s hospitals, systematically targeted since the war began on October 7, 2023, are unable to provide adequate care.  

Under the ceasefire agreement between Palestinian resistance groups and Israel, 300 people are allowed to leave daily. This includes 50 war-wounded individuals, each accompanied by up to three people (totalling 150 travellers), 50 patients requiring treatment abroad with one companion each (100 travellers), and 50 individuals under humanitarian cases. However, Israel’s obstruction has severely limited this process, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.